Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and Shareholders' Equity (Reclassification) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest (expense) or income	$ (2,467)	$ (2,337)
Tax (expense) or benefit	(546)	999
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation	1,022	2,510
Interest rate swap | Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | Derivative Financial Instruments
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest (expense) or income	460	115
Tax (expense) or benefit	(108)	(28)
Net income attributable to HNI Corporation	$ 352	$ 87